Liam Hamm prepared to make a practice throw during a javelin session in an Airdrie Aces practice at Ed Eggerer Athletic Park on July 15.

Lucas Punkari/Rocky View Publishing

When the 2014 Alberta Summer Games gets into full swing in Airdrie on July 24, the Airdrie Aces track and field team will be right in the middle of the action.

A total of 22 Aces athletes will represent the Zone 2 (Big Country) region during the running and throwing events at the Ed Eggerer Athletic Park, which will take place on July 25 and 26.

“I think to have that many athletes going to the Summer Games is a great thing for the Aces, and it shows that we are doing great things here as a club,” Aces Head Coach Jan Lips said.

“Usually, you often see more club athletes going to events like the Summer Games as they are used to competitions like this, and it’s nice to see our athletes be rewarded.”

“I know the athletes are looking forward and they will be keeping busy during the competition,” he added.

“I’ll be in a similar situation as well, as I’ll be helping out the Aces athletes along with the ones I coach from the Calgary Warriors.”

While many of the Aces competitors have competed at big events in the past, two athletes will be in their biggest meet to date when they take part in the Summer Games.

One of those athletes is 14-year-old Liam Hamm of Carstairs, who will be competing in his first Alberta Summer Games in the boys’ 15 and under 800-metre, and 1,200-metre races, along with the javelin throw.

“I’m nervous and I’m excited at the same time,” Hamm said. “I’ve been to provincial meets in Edmonton and Sherwood Park this year, but it’s nothing quite like the Summer Games.”

“My main goal is to just to try and stay in the zone as much as I can, especially before the long distance races,” he added. “Sometimes I can get a little bit pessimistic before I get going, but if I just stay focused I’ll be alright.”

Airdrie resident Emily Brophy may have the busiest schedule of any athlete in the track and field competition, as the 14-year-old will be taking part in the 100, 200, and 300 metre races along with the long jump and triple jump events in the girls’ 15 and under division.

“It seems crazy, but the events are spaced out enough that I will have time to get ready for each of the events during the meet,” Brophy said. “I’ve been focusing on many different things in my training over the last couple of weeks just to prepare for that.”

“I moved to Airdrie from Montreal last year, so I’ve been getting used to competing in Alberta in the lead-up to the games,” she added. “I’ve never been in an event like this before, and it’s going to be a challenge, but I’m looking forward to it.”

Both days (July 25 and 26) of the track and field event at the Alberta Summer Games will run from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

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